Emperor Liu Che of the Han Dynasty was an eloquent emperor whose love and power games were full of drama. In particular, his marriage to his cousin Chen Ajiao is a typical source of "Jinwu Zangjiao". On the day of the wedding, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty had an unknown affair with his cousin Liu Ling.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Liu Che, an emperor who left a deep mark on Chinese history, during his reign, the country was strong and the Quartet submitted. His personal life, like his empire, is full of complexities and contradictions. In particular, his marriage to Chen Ajiao is a typical example to show the collision of imperial power and private affairs.
Liu Che was not originally the first choice for the throne, and the reason why he was able to succeed to the throne smoothly was largely due to the help of his aunt, Princess Taochang. In order to thank his aunt for her support, Liu Che promised that once he ascended the throne, he would marry his cousin Chen Ajiao as his queen and build a golden house for her. This promise later became an allusion to "Jinya Zangjiao".
Contrary to his wishes, Liu Che did not have much affection for Chen Ajiao. Although Chen Ajiao is beautiful, she has been doted on since she was a child, has a pampered personality, and even looks down on Liu Che, the emperor who came later. For Liu Che, the marriage was nothing more than a political marriage, a compromise of power.
On the day of the wedding, although Liu Che was completing all the ceremonies on the surface, he was extremely unhappy in his heart. When all the etiquette was over, he finally had a chance to take a break and go to the changing room for a short rest. Unexpectedly, there, he met his cousin Liu Ling, who was waiting for him.
Liu Ling's appearance undoubtedly brought a trace of comfort to Liu Che. When the rights and responsibilities overwhelmed him, Liu Ling's initiative was undoubtedly an evasion. In a short meeting, the two quickly entangled. At this moment, Liu Che may have forgotten the burden of being an emperor for a while, but sadly, this escape was short-lived, and it was impossible for him to change the overall situation because of his cousin.
What Liu Ling got in love was only a moment of pleasure, but he couldn't exchange it for a long-term reputation. Liu Che's cold refusal, "I can only sleep, I won't love", is undoubtedly the biggest harm to her. Liu Ling is the daughter of King Huainan, she could have had a better choice in life, she chose to use her body to fight for love, but she was smart but was mistaken by cleverness.
Liu Che's heart is actually very conflicted and lonely. It is often difficult to balance his desire for power with his desire for personal affection. Chen Ajiao's arrogance and lack of regard for him made him feel despised. And although Liu Ling gave him warmth, it was only a short-term comfort. This emotional entanglement makes it even more difficult for him to find true comfort in the loneliness of the throne.
The life of the emperor seems glamorous, but in fact it is full of countless unfreedom and pressure. Behind every choice of family affection and love are countless power considerations and sacrifices. Although Liu Che has extraordinary political talents, he often seems helpless and struggling in the handling of his private life.
In fact, Liu Che's contradictions and struggles were a fate shared by many ancient emperors. They may be able to control the fate of a country, but they have little control over their private lives. In their world, every relationship can be a political calculation, and every outpouring of emotion can be interpreted as a game of power.
Liu Che's marriage and emotional life are full of too many helplessness and contradictions. He may need more than just a queen, but a partner who can truly understand and support him. But in those days, the emperor's marriage was never a purely personal choice, and every step was related to the future of the family, power, and the country.
With the passage of time, Liu Che's political achievements have become more and more praised by the world, but his private life has always been an unfinished song. His inner world is full of longing for understanding and love, but all this, under the weight of imperial power, seems to be never realized.
From Liu Che and Chen Ajiao's marriage, to his brief entanglement with Liu Ling, an emperor's struggle and helplessness between power and emotion. Although these stories took place thousands of years ago, they still have profound relevance. Does true happiness and fulfillment come only from power and status?